Vericut Software

Vericut Optipath Module

Knowledge-Based Machining

Vericut is a true knowledge-based machining system: through the simulation process, it learns the exact depth, width, and angle of each cut. And it knows exactly how much material is removed by each cut segment. With that knowledge, OptiPath divides the motion into smaller segments. Where necessary, based on the amount of material removed in each segment, it assigns the best feed rate for each cutting condition encountered. It then outputs a new tool path, identical to the original but with improved feed rates. It does not alter the trajectory.

Simple Setup and Use

A setup wizard prompts you for cutter settings as you machine the part. Essentially, you add intelligence to the cutter. All the settings for that cutter are stored in an optimization library. You define the settings once. Every time you use that cutter the results can be instantly optimized!OptiPath also features a “learn mode” for creating the optimization library with no setup required. For each tool, OptiPath finds the maximum volume removal rate and chip thickness and uses them to determine the optimization settings for the tool.

How it Works...

As the cutting tool encounters more material, feed rates decrease; as less material is removed, the feed rates speed up accordingly. Based on the amount of material removed by each cut segment, OptiPath automatically calculates and inserts improved feed rates where necessary. Without changing the trajectory, OptiPath writes the updated feed rates to a new NC program.

Could You Benefit from OptiPath? Do any of the following sound familiar? If so, OptiPath can help!

Removing a lot of material

Long machining times

Large NC programs

Interrupted cuts (multiple entry/exit)

Cutting at variable depths/widths

High speed machining

Thin wall machining

Delicate tooling and materials

Expensive tooling and materials

Hard materials, soft materials

Older equipment

Multiple parts

Premature cutter wear/failure

Optimizing programs “by ear”

Reworking programs for feeds/speeds... or no time to do so

CAM system and/or programmers don’t have necessary knowledge

“Resident expert” retiring/leaving

Poor surface finish

Excessive bench time

Chip thinning problems

Cutter deflection problems

Chatter in corners

Air cuts or light cuts at slow or programmed feed rates

More on OptiPath

OptiPath reads the NC tool path file and divides motion into a number of smaller segments. Where necessary, based on the amount of material removed in each segment, it assigns the best feed rate for each cutting condition encountered. It then outputs a new tool path, identical to the original but with improved feed rates. It does not alter the trajectory.

You input ideal feed rates for a number of predetermined machining conditions. OptiPath automatically combines them with factors such as machine tool capacity (horsepower, spindle type, rapid traverse speed, coolant, etc.); fixture and clamp rigidity; and cutting tool type (material, design, number of teeth, length, etc.), to determine optimum feed rate for each segment of each cut. OptiPath also considers factors dependent on the nature of the tool path such as:

Cut depth

Volume removal rate

Entry feed rate

Cut width

Cutter wear

Cut angle

This solution is automatic and determines the best feed rates before the program is loaded on the machine. It also uses the expertise of the NC programmer and machinist to determine the best feed rates for specific cutting conditions.

High speed machining vs. High efficiency machining

High speed machining is a hot topic. But, what is ‘high speed” machining really? Is it simply running at maximum feed rates and taking multiple shallow passes? This strategy is often less efficient than taking few passes at slightly greater depths! Achieving the shortest cutting time is related to feed rate, but the relationship is not necessarily ‘fastest feed rates = most efficient.” High-efficiency machining, cutting a part in the least amount of time, is the real goal. The key to achieving high-efficiency machining is to vary the feed rates to achieve the result each cutting condition encountered.

Cutting at maximum feed rate, with very light cuts, small step-down and step-over can actually require many, often inefficient, passes and can defeat the goal of reducing time. Cutting at a greater depth (in this example .500″vs.100″) is more efficient. But the cutter may encounter an overloaded condition causing breakage or exceeding the horsepower on the machine.

This is where automatic optimization software shines. Vericut knows exactly how much material will be removed in each segment of the cut and slows the feed rates down where the load is too great. This prevents breaking cutters and keeps the machine from exceeding horsepower limitations. The same high feed rates are maintained where possible, but with greater cutting efficiency and less time than when stepping down only .100″ for each pass.

Optimization vs. Adaptive controls

Proactive vs. Reactive Machining

On the surface, adaptive control (AC) technology seems to be a viable alternative to software optimization. After all, AC senses cutting conditions and adjusts feed rates in real time. It can be directly connected to a CNC machine tool.

But there are a number of issues to consider if you’re thinking of investing in AC technology. The first is set-up and maintenance expense. Each CNC machine must be outfitted with its own AC – which can cost thousands of dollars per machine. Each must then be individually installed and configured, and ACs behave differently on different machines and controls. Once the AC is setup and finally operating correctly, as with any electro-mechanical system, there are also adjustment, reliability, and maintenance considerations.

Next, AC technology is a ‘reactive’ system. ACs adjust feed rates based on feedback they receive from the spindle drive motor – that is they adjust feed rates to maintain a constant load on the spindle drive. This type of optimization is appropriate for certain types of very rigid cutters that can take a heavy load, such as face mills or large end mills.

But, spindle load optimization cannot always provide the best feed rates for diverse cutting conditions. For example, a ramp cut does not always significantly increase spindle load. It increases the load on the axis motors as it becomes harder to push the cutter through material, but it doesn’t become equally difficult to turn the spindle (Figure 1). By the time it becomes difficult to turn the spindle, you better be hiding behind a scatter shield!

Figure 1: Tangential force (spindle load) is not greatly affected by end cutting. Because AC uses spindle load to control feed rates, it doesn’t detect the poor cutting conditions and slow the feed rate accordingly.

Another example is machining with today’s high-tech carbide insert milling cutters. They are designed to cut very freely (don’t require much horsepower for high volume removal rates). The goal for these cutters is to cut at an optimum chip thickness. But there is a point where the chip thickness becomes too great, causing the cutting edge to breakdown pre-maturely. This ultimately leads to early tool failure. Spindle load is a poor indicator for the maximum feed rate to use, since the increased load on the spindle is negligible – even if the feed rate is too high. By the time the AC adjusts the feed rate, it’s too late.

The bottom line is that AC technology is limited to adjustments based on when the spindle load crosses a pre-set threshold. It has no ‘knowledge’ of what the actual cutting conditions really are during the machining process, so it cannot accurately determine the ideal feed rate for every cut (Figure 2).

OptiPath, on the other hand, automatically adjusts feed rates based on the specific cutting conditions for each segment of the tool path. It is the only product available that optimizes feed rates based on solids verification technology. Rather than react to feedback from the spindle drive motor, OptiPath assigns the best feed rate based on the current cutting conditions (volume of material being removed, depth, width, and angle of cut).

OptiPath is also a more cost effective method of feed rate optimization. A small number of software licenses can provide optimization capability for dozens of CNC machines – of all types, driven by all kinds of controls. An AC is limited to a single machine.